Miami Hurricanes 2025 recruiting profiles

The Miami Hurricanes have assembled a top-notch group of recruits for 2023 and are steadily building a strong 2024 class. Now, the focus shifts to the 2025 recruiting class under Mario Cristobal’s guidance. Here is an ongoing roster of prospects who have pledged their commitment to Coach Cristobal and his team, with updates made as new verbal commitments are secured.

Impressive performance at the Battle Miami seven-on-seven tournament establishes him as one of the country’s most accurate and cerebral quarterbacks. He guided Cam Newton’s C1N team to victory at the event, where he was recognized as the standout player among a field of top-tier athletes. The Battle tournament boasted a lineup of elite players comparable to any competition this year.

During his junior season, Nickel excelled in leading Milton to the 7A Georgia state championship, displaying advanced arm strength and physical prowess even as a sophomore. Known for his ability to execute precise touch passes, he has demonstrated proficiency in making plays outside the pocket, showcasing his dual-threat capabilities effectively by thriving in the run-pass option game. Not shying away from using his mobility and physicality to gain yardage, Nickel’s early commitment to Miami positions him as a valuable asset in attracting other talented prospects to join the program. Active in recruiting for the Hurricanes, Nickel’s presence is expected to bolster Miami’s efforts in securing future talent.

Running Back: 1

Girard Pringle, 5-foot-10, 185 pounds, Tampa (Fla.) Armwood

Committed March 23, 2024

Paired with exceptional field awareness, Pringle’s agile running technique proves effective both within the tackles and in open spaces. His elusive maneuvers often see him deflecting off defenders like a swiftly moving pinball, skillfully evading tackles to continue his forward momentum as if untouched by opposing players.

Despite his stature, Pringle is a robust ball carrier who adeptly lowers his center of gravity to deliver forceful impacts, enabling him to forcefully push through for additional yardage. His compact, grounded running style not only facilitates evading defenders but also enhances his ability to power through contact situations.

Transitioning into the passing game, Pringle seamlessly reverts to his running instincts, frequently eluding the initial defender to extend plays with his evasive moves.

Tight End: 2

Luka Gilbert, 6-foot-7, 240 pounds, West Chester (Ohio) Lakota West

Committed April 8, 2024

Gilbert excels in the roles of a blocking h-back and an inline tight end. Demonstrated in his junior HUDL film, he exhibits a genuine fondness for executing blocking assignments. While Gilbert shines in delivering impactful blocks on defenders, he also plays a crucial role in Lakota West’s passing strategy.

By seamlessly transitioning from blocking to receiving, Gilbert showcases his physicality in executing wheel routes, seam routes, and simple flat routes. His ability to break tackles and gain crucial yardage consistently contributes to sustaining drives. Additionally, Gilbert’s exceptional hands are highlighted by his skill in making fingertip catches and securing receptions away from his body.

Brock Schott, 6-foot-3, 220 pounds, Leo (Ind.) High School

Committed April 13, 2024

Schott stands out as one of the top flex tight ends nationally. With impressive speed in the open field akin to a wide receiver, he excels in generating substantial gains on plays. Demonstrating agility, Schott evades tacklers adeptly and isn’t hesitant to lower his shoulder to maximize yards after the catch. His versatility poses a challenge for opposing defenses, making him a formidable threat on the field.

Capable of operating as a slot receiver or lining up on the boundary similar to a larger wideout, Schott effectively exploits matchups against smaller defenders. Drawing from his basketball background, his leaping prowess aids in securing passes that might be overthrown. Notably, he boasts an outstanding catch radius, enhancing his effectiveness as a receiver.

As Schott continues to develop physically by adding size and strength, he is likely to have more opportunities to contribute as an h-back or conventional tight end for the Hurricanes.

Offensive Line: 4

Max Buchanan, 6-foot-4, 300 pounds, Sanford (Fla.) Seminole

Committed June 26, 2024

Buchanan is recognized as one of Florida’s premier offensive linemen, showcasing promise at Miami in positions such as guard or center. A skilled athlete, he excels in bolstering the interior running game while maintaining consistent technique in pass protection. Buchanan’s blend of intelligence, experience, and success on the field has attracted numerous college football offers.

Noteworthy is Buchanan’s patient approach to pass protection, exemplifying his ability to preserve leverage without overcommitting. He adeptly maintains a square stance and effectively mirrors his opponents, demonstrating his sound fundamentals. Having faced formidable opponents in the Orlando region, Buchanan has been a pivotal figure for Seminole High School since the 2021 season.

As a vital contributor to a storied program with championship achievements, Buchanan’s exposure to high-caliber competition has honed his skills and fueled his drive for continual improvement. Evidently ambitious, he remains eager to refine his abilities and assert himself as a dominant force on the field. With a comprehensive skill set and a determined mindset, Buchanan is poised to thrive under the guidance of Alex Mirabal.

Demetrius Campbell, 6-foot-6, 300 pounds, Orlando (Fla.) Christian Prep

June 18, 2024

Miami secures a large addition from Orlando in Campbell. Despite his imposing size, Campbell’s video footage highlights his standout skill of pulling effectively. Even when faced with smaller adversaries attempting to evade him, Campbell’s athleticism allows him to engage and displace them, showcasing his impressive upper body strength.

Dominating against opponents of lesser caliber is unsurprising for Campbell, given his assertive playing style. He relentlessly takes on defenders and doesn’t relent, especially evident when he firmly plants both hands on a defensive lineman’s chest, overpowering them decisively.

An area for growth lies in Campbell’s pass protection, a common developmental focus for high school offensive linemen. Mastering the technique through repetition is key, as executing kick slides proficiently demands practice and dedication. Should Campbell demonstrate proficiency in this aspect, he could transition to a tackle position for Miami. Considering his physique and playing approach thus far, it seems likely that Campbell will initiate his UM journey at guard before potentially exploring other roles.

Takaylen Muex, 6-foot-4, 340 pounds, Jacksonville (Fla.) Fletcher

Committed May 16, 2024

Watching Muex on HUDL, one of the most captivating prospects from Florida, is a sight to behold. His sheer size, relentless effort until the final whistle, ability to sustain blocks past the line of scrimmage, and proficiency in open space make him stand out.

The puzzling question arises: why did Muex not garner more attention from recruiting services and college football programs earlier? Miami’s offer to Muex on May 7 marked one of his initial Power 4 scholarships, a somewhat surprising development given his impressive game footage.

In the long run, Muex is destined for a role as an offensive guard, despite currently playing as an offensive tackle for Fletcher. It’s envisioned that he will require time to refine his technique and become collegiate-ready, considering that mastering offensive line skills is a gradual process. This developmental phase is customary for high school offensive linemen, and under the tutelage of Mirabal at the University of Miami, Muex is expected to enhance his fundamentals, including maintaining a strong base and maximizing his inherent strength.

Muex thrives as a forceful blocker, fitting the mold desired by both Mirabal and Cristobal for their power-based running scheme. Moreover, his athleticism positions him to excel in pass protection as well. Undoubtedly, Muex’s playing style aligns perfectly with Miami’s offensive scheme, making him a promising prospect for the Hurricanes.

Jaden Wilkerson, 6-foot-6, 330 pounds, Orlando (Fla.) Edgewater

Committed June 19, 2024

An intriguing offensive line prospect with the versatility to potentially fit in at either offensive guard or tackle for Miami, Wilkerson showcases a blend of speed and strength that make him not only a formidable physical presence but also a genuine athlete.

His agility is evident as he navigates the open field adeptly, smoothly adjusting his blocking angles. In close quarters, Wilkerson often dominates opponents with his overpowering strength and nimble movements, outclassing many high school players. His combination of power and agility suggests he has the innate abilities required to thrive at the Power 4 level.

With further refinement of his skills, Wilkerson could emerge as a starting offensive tackle for the Hurricanes in due course. Initially, as he embarks on his journey with Miami, he is likely to be given opportunities to play various positions to better evaluate his long-term potential and readiness to contribute wherever needed by the team. Wilkerson’s potential for growth and improvement is truly impressive.

Defensive End: 1

Herbert Scroggins, 6-foot-2, 235 pounds, Savannah (Ga.) Benedictine Military School

Committed June 28, 2024

Scroggins’ blend of power and speed enables him to effectively pressure quarterbacks when lined up against offensive tackles or to effectively cover tight ends during pass plays. His physical build is ideal for holding the edge on defense.

Already possessing a physique suitable for college-level play, Scroggins appears as developed and robust as many upperclassmen on the field. Consequently, it is probable that he will transition to a permanent role as a defensive end, with his tenure as a linebacker likely coming to a close after the upcoming season.

Given time to focus on honing his pass-rushing skills consistently, especially under the guidance of the UM coaching staff, the potential for Scroggins to excel is limitless. Currently, he juggles responsibilities between pass coverage and pressuring the backfield as a high school player.

Linebacker: 3

Elijah Melendez, 6-foot-2, 220 pounds, Kissimmee (Fla.) Osceola

Committed Dec. 16, 2023

Originally a running back in Colorado, Melendez made the transition to Kissimmee before the 2022 season and thrived in his new role as a linebacker.

Melendez boasts an impressive physique, standing at 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighing 220 pounds. While manning the middle linebacker position, he embodies a traditional style characterized by his aggressive approach. Seeking out collisions, Melendez excels at taking on lead blockers and disrupting plays before locating the ball carrier even after impactful hits.

Beyond his skill as an in-the-box linebacker, Melendez showcases remarkable speed that allows him to excel as a blitzing edge rusher or a defender capable of chasing down mobile quarterbacks from behind. Regarded as one of the most highly sought-after prospects in the nation, his commitment significantly bolsters the Miami 2025 recruiting class.

Ezekiel Marcelin, 5-foot-11, 205 pounds, Miami (Fla.) Central

Committed June 23, 2024

Marcelin embodies the classic Canes style reminiscent of linebackers from the 1980s and 1990s, showcasing qualities of athleticism and power despite being somewhat undersized.

Primarily known for his hard-hitting style, Marcelin is adaptable to either the middle linebacker or weak-side linebacker positions due to his physical attributes. While he may benefit from adding more mass to his build, this development is expected to occur naturally under the guidance of the Miami strength and conditioning program. However, Marcelin’s biggest asset lies beyond his physicality.

His proficiency in open spaces, particularly in pass coverage, positions Marcelin as a versatile three-down linebacker. Equipped with strong coverage skills, he can effectively contribute against teams employing spread formations or those favoring traditional I-formation offenses that emphasize power running plays.

Gavin Nix, measuring at 6-foot-1 and weighing 230 pounds, hails from Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy.

Evaluation of Gavin Nix as a Prospect

Dated July 1, 2024

Nix embodies a blend of traditional linebacker skills with modern tactics. As a member of the IMG Academy team, Nix demonstrates a keen understanding of when and how to engage with different formations and opponents. He is benefiting from excellent coaching, and his experience in high school football suggests a smooth transition to the competitive Power 4 level compared to most other linebackers at his level.

As of the current writing, Nix is ranked as the 88th best player nationally by 247 Sports, a well-deserved acknowledgment of his talents. His meticulous preparation stands out as a strong suit. While Nix’s standout quality may not be innate physical abilities, his commitment to studying the game sets him apart. He shows a mature approach by delving into film analysis to grasp opponents’ tendencies thoroughly.

For instance, while many linebackers struggle with screen plays, Nix adeptly reads and reacts to them. He adjusts his positioning swiftly, either moving behind the offensive line for the play or taking a different route based on the situation. Nix’s decisions are informed by his knowledge rather than guesswork, highlighting his exceptional readiness compared to most high school linebackers when it comes to game time.

Cornerback: 2

Chris Ewald, Jr., 6-foot, 175 pounds, Hollywood (Fla.) Chaminade-Madonna

June 27, 2024

As a highly touted national recruit even as a freshman, Ewald’s progression received close attention from Cristobal and the coaching staff throughout his development. The agile cornerback excels in both off-ball and bump-and-run coverage, key attributes that initially attracted the interest of the Hurricanes.

Another notable aspect of Ewald’s skill set is his exceptional agility in changing directions. His quick transitions coming out of his backpedal, combined with precise anticipation and timing, explain why Miami, Georgia, Florida State, and numerous other collegiate football programs sought after him. Additionally, his speed enables him to keep up with gifted receivers on the field.

Moreover, Ewald stands out as a significant recruit due to being a top-tier cornerback prospect from South Florida. Miami’s successful recruitment of him bodes well for the program’s overall strength and prospects moving forward.

Timothy Merritt, a 6-foot-2, 180-pound athlete from Birmingham (Ala.) Parker, pledged his commitment

on June 9, 2024.

Merritt’s imposing physique is immediately noticeable on the field, with his long limbs and stature fitting the profile of a modern defensive back. Despite being destined to play cornerback for the Hurricanes, he possesses a hard-hitting style reminiscent of a strong safety, often disrupting screens and running plays by aggressively attacking the line of scrimmage. His exceptional athleticism consistently leads to impactful plays on the field.

Displaying notable speed, as evidenced in his junior highlights, Merritt’s versatility has seen him deployed in various positions in Parker’s secondary by the coaching staff. Whether stationed at outside cornerback, in the nickel position, or at safety, Merritt consistently demonstrates his playmaking abilities. Miami is set to welcome a skilled and athletic defensive asset in Merritt.

Amari Wallace, standing at 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighing 175 pounds, hails from Miami (Florida) Central. He made his commitment

on June 20, 2024

Wallace is a familiar name among Miami recruiting enthusiasts due to his presence in the spotlight for several years. Renowned as the ballhawk in the formidable defense of Central, Wallace demonstrates exceptional speed and athleticism, enabling him to effectively pursue the ball and secure interceptions.

While his reputation predominantly revolves around his speed and game-changing abilities, Wallace is also unafraid of engaging in physical contact. Evidence of his striking capabilities can be found in his junior game footage, where he fearlessly tackles running backs front on, driving through their defenses. This aspect of his game is particularly highlighted considering the level of competition he faces.

Having competed against top-tier schools in South Florida and renowned institutions like IMG Academy, Wallace will arrive at The U well-prepared and battle-tested. Primed for roles such as free safety and nickel within the Hurricanes’ lineup, he possesses the versatility and skillset required for either position.